The Outstanding Complex Care Provider

Beth’s Team, Community Integrated Care

This team is one of only a few across the country to accomplish what many once thought impossible. Through relentless dedication, compassion, and exceptional professionalism, they have redefined what it means to provide truly person-centred care. As their manager, TJ, so powerfully expresses: “We work to see things through her eyes.”

Exceptional Care

This company has discovered the formula for delivering exceptional complex care—and has successfully replicated it across all their services. Led with vision from the top, they are not only driven by values but truly live those values every day. This is a company to watch.

The Best Neurological Care Provider

Cygnet Health Care

An evidence-driven neurorehabilitation leader who has embedded strengths-based, holistic MDT pathways across eight hospitals and two homes — co-producing care with experts by experience, ensuring safe and effective medication optimisation, and transforming data into measurable improvements that align with national best practice.

PJ Care

The values of Compassion, Care, and Commitment shine through in every interaction. As a staff member and family member, you can see that there is a genuine dedication, exceptional neurological expertise, and heartfelt support — qualities that truly transform lives.

The Care and Support Worker of the Year (Central)

Clare Ohier, Exemplar Healthcare

Clare is a warm and compassionate individual who consistently puts others first. She goes above and beyond in her role, demonstrating genuine dedication and care in everything she does. Her positivity and kindness create an atmosphere where everyone feels valued and supported. Clare’s passion for her work shines through every single day.

Prakash Nair, PJ Care

Prakash exemplifies exceptional compassion, professionalism, and dedication. His approach to care is nothing short of exemplary treating every resident as if they were his own family and consistently demonstrating patience, kindness, and selflessness. He truly embodies the highest standards and values of his profession, setting a benchmark for others to follow.

The Care and Support Worker of the Year (North)

Stephanie Whelan, Caretech

Stephanie has shown outstanding leadership and unwavering dedication. She transformed a previously under-supported service into one that thrives, while introducing a regional newsletter that empowers service users and celebrates success. Her commitment to person-centred care, creativity, and hands-on support for complex needs make her an exceptional professional and a truly deserving winner.

David (Afolabi Olubakinde), Hesley Group

David is calm, consistent, and person-centred. He goes beyond surface support, building trust, recognising goals, and helping people achieve them. His dedication, empathy, and commitment embody the true values of care, making a lasting impact.

The Care and Support Worker of the Year (South)

Maika Chansa, The AICS Group Ltd

Maika goes above and beyond for her clients. When one dreamed of attending a Coldplay concert with his family, she meticulously planned every detail—risk assessments, medical support, and stadium logistics. Thanks to her dedication, he enjoyed the concert safely, creating treasured memories with his family and restoring his wellbeing. It was so lovely to speak to Maika.

Charles Searle, SweetTree Home Care Services

Charlie, a dedicated care worker at Sweet Tree Home Care Services for five years, was inspired by his grandmother’s Alzheimer’s journey. He goes above and beyond, helping clients live fulfilling lives. Through creativity and trust, he supported a former athlete to run 15km again and pursue his dream of climbing a mountain. Amazing work.

The Manager of the Year (Central)

Shaun O’Gara, Eaglewood Healthcare Centre, PJ Care

Shaun never seeks recognition, yet his impact is unmistakable. Through integrity, outstanding leadership, and unwavering dedication, he continually goes above and beyond, inspiring everyone around him. His steadfast commitment to excellence and the positive difference he makes each day.

Tina Bhardwaj, Progress Children’s services Ltd

Tina is an exceptional, dedicated leader who has transformed lives. Her passion for supporting children with disabilities, commitment to excellence, and ability to inspire her teams have created safe, nurturing environments where young people thrive, and staff excel.

The Manager of the Year (North)

Ricky Farnill, Hesley Group

Ricky is one of the most humble and likeable people you could meet. He leads with compassion, empathy, and genuine humility, always placing others before himself. Even in the most challenging moments, he remains a steady source of strength and encouragement, guiding his team with unwavering kindness and quiet determination.

Clare Mcmurchie, Community Integrated Care

Clare is an inspiring leader whose humility, creativity, and guidance has made a profound difference to her team and the people they support. Through her leadership, countless individuals have successfully transitioned from institutional care back into the community, regaining independence, dignity, and a renewed sense of empowerment

The Manager of the Year (South)

Kara Tucker, Prosperity Care & Wellbeing

She leads by example, never asking others to do what she wouldn’t. Patient, adaptable, and an excellent communicator, she supports both her staff and customers with empathy and dedication. Working with individuals with autism and complex needs, she combines strong leadership, kindness, and fairness, inspiring trust and achieving meaningful progress.

Ewelina Harding, Achieve Together

Ewelina Harding demonstrates exemplary leadership, transforming Vallance Gardens into a model of outstanding practice. Through innovation, operational excellence, and unwavering compassion, she achieved 100% compliance, eliminated agency reliance, and embedded true community integration. Her impact is profound: residents flourish, families feel assured, and staff are inspired to excel.

The Ancillary Worker Award

Grant Mugford, PJ Care

Grant has transformed his journey from a newcomer in care to a dedicated and compassionate Estate Manager. He champions residents’ comfort and safety, adapts homes to meet their individual needs, and inspires his team through leadership and care. His pride in service and the heartfelt gratitude of families make him truly exceptional.

The Best Multidisciplinary Team

Multidisciplinary Team, Castel Froma Neuro Care

If one ever wondered what a professional multidisciplinary team in complex neuro care all about is, look no further than Castel Froma Neuro Care. Their enthusiasm, deep expertise, and seamless collaboration across a multitude of disciplines demonstrate clinical rigour and thoughtful practice, delivering outstanding outcomes for patients – worthy winners of this award.

Kayley Ginn, Rhiann Davies, Cynthia and Velaphie, Bluebird Care Elmbridge-Runnymede

This team truly touched me. Their love for their jobs is contagious and their humbleness unforgettable. They don’t just deserve recognition – they are the very spirit of true multidisciplinary care. I need three words to describe the foundation everything is built on for them: People, care, team.

The Clinician of the Year

Teresa Wood, Harmony Healthcare

Clinician of the year goes to, a dedicated and passionate professional whose unwavering commitment is evident in everything she does. Her person-centred approach in neurological and complex care transforms lives, exemplifying the highest standards of excellence, compassion, and dedication.

Amy Leiter, Cygnet Health Care

I highly commend this exceptional clinician, whose passion and focus inspire all around them. With a steadfast person-centred approach, they deliver outstanding support in neurological and complex care, improving lives with skill and compassion. Their dedication, professionalism, and commitment to excellence set the highest standard in clinical practice.

The Advocacy and Carer Support Award

Billy Pithers, BelleVie Care

Billy exemplifies the very best in social care. With patience and empathy, he has helped restore dignity and independence to those he supports. His selfless dedication, quiet leadership, and transformative impact stand as a true reflection of the highest standards of care.

Natasha Hallam, Small Talk Speech and Language Therapy

Natasha brings boundless energy, empathy, and creativity to everything she does. She has a remarkable ability to connect with children and families in a personal and meaningful way. She makes everyone feel truly seen and heard.

The Top Advanced Practitioner

Suzanne Gayford, Central Bedfordshire Council

Suzanne has shown remarkable resilience in becoming a social worker and is dedicated to improving the lives of children with complex needs. Passionate and driven, she consistently goes above and beyond to ensure the best outcomes for her clients, making a meaningful and lasting difference every day.

The Top Physiotherapist of the Year

Bronia Davison, PJ Care

Bronia exemplifies excellence in physiotherapy through her compassion, professionalism, and unwavering commitment. She inspires colleagues, uplifts residents, and transforms rehabilitation into empowering journeys. Her ability to share knowledge, adapt therapy, and achieve outstanding outcomes reflects true leadership. Bronia’s consistent impact sets the highest standard and merits distinguished recognition.

The Exceptional Case Manager

Gracy Metilda, Chosen Care Group Limited

Gracy is a compassionate and empathetic leader whose passion for her work shines through. Dedicated to achieving the best outcomes for clients, families, and staff, she has successfully transformed Lodge Avenue, turning the service around and significantly improving the lives of everyone who lives and works there.

Kamara Silvain, Harmony Healthcare

Kamara consistently demonstrates a friendly and professional approach to care. She goes above and beyond to support clients in crisis, stepping in whenever needed, and ensuring their wellbeing is always a top priority. Her dedication and reliability make her an invaluable member of the care team.

The Excellence in Occupational Therapy

Elizabeth Jackson, Castel Froma Neuro Care

Excellence in Occupational Therapy Award goes to an exceptional and dedicated clinician. Their person-centred approach empowers individuals to regain independence and improve quality of life, creating a lasting impact in neurological and complex care. They are a shining example of innovation, compassion, and professional excellence.

The Best Psychological Support Service

Dr Jane McLachlan, The Cheshire and Merseyside Rehabilitation Network

Jane has shown outstanding expertise within the Hyper Acute Unit, supporting the MDT in managing complex neurological cases. Her input, research contributions, and leadership have transformed the PDoC process, integrating mood, cognition, and psychological formulation — significantly enhancing clinical quality, multidisciplinary collaboration, and patient outcomes.

The Exceptional Training and Development Program

Marcus Allen, Heatherwood Court Hospital

This candidate demonstrated professionalism and insight, clearly articulating the development and delivery of the service and the significant impact training has had on staff confidence and capability, enhancing service user safety. Marcus stood out for providing concrete examples that directly linked the programme to measurable improvements in practice.

CCG Clinical Educators Team, Chosen Care Group Limited

This candidate impressed with their professionalism, enthusiasm, and evident personal commitment to the programme. They demonstrate a clear vision for the purpose and impact of their training, reflected in their values and the high aspirations they hold for their staff’s development and growth.

The Best Use of Technology in Care

Specialist Team, SweetTree Home Care Services

SweetTree demonstrates exceptional innovation in home care, using technology to monitor risks, guide interventions, and enhance independence. Its evidence-driven approach, exemplified by SweetTree Connect, improves outcomes, prevents crises, and supports person-centred care. The measurable impact on clients’ safety, confidence, and wellbeing merits recognition as a model of excellence.

Alternative Futures Group

The breadth and range of technology used by this organisation goes far beyond everyday provider requirements. They have fully embraced technology to empower individuals to live the lives they choose, offering both support and meaningful choice. Particularly impressive is their consumer technology library, making innovative tools accessible to all.

The Innovative Neuro Rehabilitation Program

Paolo Tomaselli & the Wellington Hospital, London, The Chroma Group

An outstanding program that effectively supports patients and families from diverse cultural backgrounds. It fosters collaboration across multiple therapists, ensuring coordinated, holistic care. By embracing cultural understanding and teamwork, the program enhances patient experiences, strengthens family engagement, and delivers consistently high-quality outcomes across a range of therapeutic disciplines.

The Outstanding Patient and Family Support

Lucy Walker, PA Services for You

Lucy was absolutely fabulous to chat with! From the moment our conversation began, her passion, focus, and authenticity really shone through. She spoke with such clarity and confidence, and it was clear how deeply she cares about her work. The discussion flowed effortlessly — thoughtful, engaging, and full of insight. It was an absolute pleasure to spend time speaking with someone so dedicated and genuinely inspiring.

The Most Compassionate Care Provider

BelleVie Care

Trudie is truly an inspiration and a deserving winner of this category. Drawing on her experience as a care worker and her PhD in medical sciences, she has created a compassionate organisation where both staff and those they support receive the highest standard of care. Trudie describes herself as a change-maker—a quality evident in everything she does. Congratulations, Trudie, on this well-deserved recognition for your vision of compassionate, forward-thinking care.

Chosen Care Group Limited

Chosen Care Group demonstrates outstanding excellence in social care, consistently delivering person-centred, compassionate, and holistic support. Their dedication to dignity, empathy, and meaningful experiences—including enabling final wishes—exemplifies the highest professional standards. The organisation’s unwavering commitment to individuals and families merits formal recognition for exceptional service and leadership in care.

The Unpaid Carer Award

Jen and Derek Brindley, Independent.

Oliver suffered a severe brain injury in 2019. Although initially given a prognosis of minimal recovery, his family’s unwavering commitment and consistent rehabilitation have driven remarkable progress. Their dedication stands as a testament to the transformative power of sustained, structured support in long-term neurorehabilitation.

Tiahna Wilson, Independent

Tiahna, winner of the 2023 Young Carer Award, has devoted seven years to caring for her gran and now her papa. After helping him recover from a stroke, she continues to provide full-time care with compassion and strength, all while advocating for young carers and inspiring others through her platform and writing.

The Lifetime Achievement in Neurological and Complex Care Award

Bala Natarajan,Chosen Care Group Limited

Bala is an exceptional clinician and leader whose three decades of dedication have transformed neurological and complex care. A pioneer of person-centred practice, he combines expertise with deep compassion, shaping systems, mentoring professionals, and empowering individuals to live fulfilling lives. His integrity and innovation make him a truly deserving Lifetime Achievement recipient.